Around town

January 04, 2010|By Fred Mitchell and David Kaplan

Bill Gleason, dead at 87: Our deepest condolences to the family of famed retired Sun-Times sportswriter Bill Gleason, who died Sunday at 87. Gleason was a one-of-a-kind multimedia icon who was ahead of his time as a print, television, radio and banquet-circuit personality. We will miss his signature hats, cigar and unbridled enthusiasm about sports in Chicago. One half of the Around Town team (Fred) will be honored to receive the annual Bill Gleason sportswriting award from the Pitch & Hit Club on Jan. 17 at the Rosemont Convention Center. The other half (Kap) is looking forward to emceeing the event. We hope to make Gleason proud.

Overheard: Veteran tight end Desmond Clark stepped up in support of embattled offensive coordinator Ron Turner after the Bears' victory over the Lions: "Ron Turner is a great offensive coordinator. If he's not back next year, there will be a great offensive coordinator on the market."

Sights seen: Among the NFL personnel watching Saturday's International Bowl from the press box in Toronto was Colts president Bill Polian.

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More on Gleason

Pioneering writer's obit, Sec. 1, Pg. 19

Got a tip? E-mail aroundtown@tribune.com Weeknights, David Kaplan hosts Chicago Tribune Live on Comcast SportsNet at 5:30 and Sports Central on WGN-AM 720 at 7.